When the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released 2023 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 48 states, the District of Columbia, and 3 territories in September 2024, Guam’s adult obesity rate had exceeded 35% for the first time. On the CDC’s 2024 maps released in December 2025, Guam’s adult obesity rate increased further to 40.2%. These numbers come from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. In addition to 4 in 10 adults on the island being obese, the 2024 data showed a 13.3% prevalence of diabetes in adults on Guam and a 33.5% prevalence rate of hypertension.
The good news is that some regions have successfully reversed obesity trends. Alaska’s obesity rate dropped from 35.2% in 2023 to 34% in 2024. New Mexico declined from 35.3% to 34.5%, Missouri fell from 35.3% to 34.6%, and Illinois dropped from 36% to 34.2%.
Key Interventions
New Mexico’s success demonstrates effective approaches. The “Healthy Kids Healthy Communities” initiative created sustainable changes, including building more walking trails and designing safe routes for walkers and cyclists. Schools implemented wellness programs and allowed community residents to use school gyms and tracks. School gardens and local farmers’ markets were established to increase access to healthier food. Rural areas promoted healthy lifestyles by encouraging local convenience stores to stock fresh produce and healthy alternatives. Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program education funding targeted low-income adults through cooking demonstrations and nutrition education.
Role of Self-Care
The World Health Organization released a fact sheet titled “Self-care for health and well-being” in April 2024, defining self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease, and cope with illness—with or without the support of a health or care worker.” The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health program asks veterans “what matters to you,” not “what’s the matter with you,” empowering them to take charge of their well-being. This approach has improved patient care experience, increased access to care, reduced emergency department use and hospitalizations, and improved management of chronic pain and mental health.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.postguam.com/forum/featured_columnists/self-care-awareness-is-the-key/article_b456fc77-5e82-49fe-a2c8-020eec524544.html